Combat Shirt vs. Field Jacket – When to Wear Each

When building your tactical loadout, one of the most important choices is deciding what to wear on your upper body—a combat shirt or a field jacket. Both serve different purposes and are designed for specific environments. Whether you’re preparing for a mission, trekking, airsofting, or just heading outdoors, knowing when to choose each can improve your comfort and performance.

What Is a Combat Shirt?

A combat shirt is a hybrid garment designed with functionality and comfort in mind:

• Moisture-wicking, fire-retardant fabric on the torso (ideal for wearing beneath body armor)

• Durable camouflage-patterned sleeves with reinforced elbows and arm pockets

Best For:

• High-intensity activities like airsoft, training, and drills

• Warm weather or layering under plate carriers

• Situations demanding breathability and freedom of movement

What Is a Field Jacket?

A field jacket is a heavier, rugged outer layer, typically made from cotton or poly-blend materials:

• Multiple utility pockets for easy storage

• Wind and abrasion resistant

• Common military issue styles (e.g., Flecktarn, DPM, Tropentarn)

Best For:

• Cooler or changing weather conditions

• Bushcraft, hiking, or extended fieldwork

• When warmth, durability, and storage are priorities

When to Wear Each

Our Recommendation

For maximum versatility, combine both: wear a combat shirt as a breathable base layer and add a field jacket when temperatures drop or more protection is needed.

Explore Field Jackets at GoMilitar

• Original British Army DPM Field Jacket

• German Army Flecktarn Jacket

• Belgian Military M90 Field Jacket